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4.7 from 288 votes

Cauliflower Rice Arancini

These Italian Cauliflower Rice Balls (Arancini) are made with cauliflower in place of rice! Lower in carbs and baked or made in the air fryer!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 257 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 Italian chicken sausage link (casing removed (2 3/4 oz))
  • 2 1/4 cups riced cauliflower (frozen works great)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons homemade marinara (plus optional more for serving)
  • 1/2 cup part skim shredded mozzarella
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs* (or gluten-free crumbs)
  • 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano or parmesan*
  • cooking spray

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking the meat up with spoon as it cooks as small as you can, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  2. Add the cauliflower, salt and marinara and cook 6 minutes on medium heat, stirring until the cauliflower is tender and heated through.
  3. Remove from heat and add the mozzarella cheese to the skillet and stir well to mix. Let it cool 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s easy to handle.
  4. Spray a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray and fill with cauliflower mixture, leveling the top. Use a small spoon to scoop out into your palm and roll into a ball. Set aside on a dish.
  5. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower, you should have 6 balls.
  6. Place the egg in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another.
  7. Add the parmesan to the crumbs and mix.
  8. Dip the ball in the egg, then in the crumbs and transfer to a baking sheet. Spray the top with cooking spray.
  9. If baking in the oven, bake 425F 25 minutes, until golden. If making in the air fryer, bake 400F for 9 minutes turning halfway until golden.
  10. Serve with marinara sauce, for dipping.

Notes

  • *half of the crumbs get tossed, the n.i. and smart points accounts for that.

Nutrition Information

Serving 3balls Calories 257kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 15.6g (5%) Protein 21.5g (43%) Fat 11.5g (18%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 95.5mg (32%) Sodium 644mg (27%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 2.5g (5%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257

% Daily Value*

Serving 3balls
Calories 257kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 15.6g 5%
Protein 21.5g 43%
Fat 11.5g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 95.5mg 32%
Sodium 644mg 27%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 2.5g 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.